Friendly match

Sidmouth seconds 53

North Tawton 0

AN early try by Sidmouth's prop breaking through a cluster of players was an indication of things to come for the visitors.

The Sidmouth backs were well-drilled and put North Tawton defence under pressure even though their game plan seemed limited to feeding the ball back inside from the fly half. It was from a ball thrown long at a lineout that they scored next and a further try came from a loose ball hacked through for their fly half to win the foot race to the line.

North Tawton rallied and came back into the game with an attacking lineout but they failed to sustain the attack and Sidmouth broke out down the left wing for another try. With their kicker failing with all conversions so far this left the score at 20-0.

Mike Young was having a stand-out game in the centre with his tackling and penetrating runs but overall Tawton looked ragged and leaked another try out wide on the right. This was converted to push the score to 27-0.

As the end of the half approached Tawton started to get their act together and put up a better display but Sidmouth had the edge in the loose play and the mauls. They finished the half with another unconverted try, this one from a tap penalty, leaving the half time score at 32-0.

The second half was characterised by misunderstandings and handling errors by North Tawton which meant they failed to maintain any momentum. Some strong runs from loose play by prop Dan Quinn did not get the support they needed, and Tawton conceded a further three tries, two of which were converted, leaving the final score at 53-0.

To their credit North Tawton never gave up the effort and showed lot of character in defeat.

n This North Tawton play OPMs at home on Saturday.

The club holds a Bonfire Night and fireworks display tomorrow evening (Friday) — gates open from 6pm.